Bonsall CofE (A) Primary School
Matlock, DE4 2AE · Derbyshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
180th of 263 primary schools in Derbyshire we can score, 354 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 4,103 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.4/10 among them, against 2.4/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bonsall CofE (A) Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.4 out of 10 among them, against 2.4 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Art Club and Gardening Club, learn piano, drums or guitar, and access breakfast and after-school clubs.
Getting in
The published school roll is 38 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard? What specific activities are included in the weekly Art and Gardening clubs?
What Ofsted said about Bonsall CofE (A) Primary School
Overview
Pupils at Bonsall C of E (A) Primary School generally enjoy their time at school, benefiting from "strong relationships" and a supportive community ethos. The school provides a "good" quality of education, with particular strengths in early years provision, phonics, and mathematics, though some curriculum areas require refinement to ensure consistent progression and ambition.
Strengths
- The early years programme is "well-planned," offering ample opportunities for developing numeracy, literacy, and creativity in a "well-resourced outdoor environment."
- Phonics is "taught consistently well by skilled staff," with close tracking ensuring gaps are quickly addressed and pupils effectively apply their knowledge to writing.
- The mathematics curriculum is "devised carefully and implemented consistently," helping pupils become "fluent mathematicians."
- Pupils make a "significant contribution to the local community" through activities such as the local arts trail and engaging with elderly residents.
- Staff work closely together, and governors provide practical support while paying "close attention to staff well-being."
Areas to improve
- In "a few foundation subjects," the progression of knowledge and skills between topics is "not sufficiently clear," preventing pupils from making links between new and previous learning.
- Teachers do not always plan learning that is "sufficiently demanding" for all pupils, particularly in key stage 2, meaning the curriculum is not always "appropriately ambitious."
- Governors’ oversight of provision is "not always strategic enough," as their hands-on approach can mean they "miss the bigger picture" regarding holding the school to account.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 40% |
| 2023/24 | 83% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of DE4 2AE, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT